To the editor:
There seems to be some confusion as to what is meant by the term, "greater good."
Just a couple of examples for you.
If a mass murderer is killed, regardless of the circumstances, that contributes to the greater good.
The death of a child molester, regardless of the circumstances, is for the greater good.
Taking driver's licenses from the dangerous drivers among us, that would be another example of contributing to the greater good.
Banning assault rifles. They are assault rifles, being named such before they were ever designed. Ideas were given by the military, as to the capabilities of the desired weapon. It was designed as was requested by the military.
You may call them by different names if you wish. That my friend, is also another of your rights. You may call them "modern rifles." You may even paint it pink and call it "powder puff" if you so desire. It will still be a crowd killing assault rifle, period. This weapon is capable of firing 800 rounds per minute. The M-60 machine gun fires 600 rounds per minute.
To even suggest that our Constitution covers the citizenry of having and bearing these weapons of war to me is simply astonishing. Your "I want" attitude of your rights does not override my rights to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Your misguided opinion is trying to be forced on everybody, regardless of who we are, in the name of patriotism. You people are not capable of seeing it any way but your own.
Eliminating assault rifles from our midst in the civilian population would certainly be an act done in the name of the greater good. Against the chosen few maybe, but certainly for the betterment of the greater good.
Dick Rhoades
Lewistown
